Mississippi Filling the Gap: CS4MS Pilot

By 2020 the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that there will be a need for 1.4 million jobs that require computer science degrees. As of today, only 4 million students are enrolled in applicable degree programs. Add to the mix the issues that Silicon Valley has experienced with gender and ethnic diversity, and you have a “perfect storm” for tech.

In addition to being one of the most diverse states in the country, Mississippi also possesses one the most energetic and enthusiastic collective student bodies. This provides a great opportunity for Mississippi being a major player in helping generate the next generation of knowledge-based workers and entrepreneurs.

The CS4MS pilot program is an initiative of the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) developed in partnership with the Mississippi State University Research and Curriculum Unit and a steering committee, including representatives of a number of public and private institutions who are interested in seeing improved access to computer science in Mississippi schools and a high-skilled technology workforce in our state.